OTHER PROJECTS THAT MOVED US FORWARD

BRENNAN PARK RECREATION CENTRE RECEIVES $11.7 MILLION INVESTMENT

The District received $11.7 million in funding for Brennan Park Recreation Centre upgrades through the Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. The improvements will reduce the facility's energy consumption by an estimated 36.6% and greenhouse gas emissions by 294.5 tonnes. The funding also allows for several accessibility and inclusivity improvements including an elevator, automatic entrance doors and gender-neutral washrooms. Work to begin January 2023.

District Of Squamish Wastewater Treatment Plant Begins Upgrade

Construction upgrades to the primary and secondarytreatment processing system at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) began to help meet the demands of a growing community as well as maintain compliance with federal and provincial wastewater treatment regulations. The upgrades will ultimately increase treatment capacity, provide system redundancy, increase seismic and flood resiliency, improve plant performance and effluent quality, while decreasing biosolids production and associated energy usage, carbon emissions and handling costs.

COUNCIL ADOPTS NEW CODE OF CONDUCT BYLAW TO REINFORCE RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP

The District adopted a Council Code of Conduct Bylaw representing one of the strongest codes of conduct in the province. The Code of Conduct and suite of related bylaws and policies is intended to ensure a fair, honest and respectful environment amongst members of Council, staff and Committee members.

Retrofit Assist Launched

The District partnered with the Community Energy Association and Resort Municipality of Whistler to launch Retrofit Assist, a free service to guide homeowners' transition to low-emission energy systems.

Development Cost Charge Bylaw Updated

To Ensure Growth Pays For Growth

Council adopted an updated Development Cost Charge (DCC) bylaw to allow the District to collect revenue that keeps pace with the increasing costs of infrastructure required to service community growth. The new DCC rates are in line with rates charged in similar communities.

2022 Squamish General Election Introduced Process Improvements

The District modernized its election process by introducing VoterView software to automate a previously manual process. This improved efficiency and speed in processing voters, and improved the means by which to ensure no duplicate voting.

FIRST OFF-LEASH DOG AREA OPENED

The District opened its first new off-leash dog area in Merrill Park. Signage was installed to mark the park as an off-leash trail and to educate users about the conditions to follow in order to have their dog off-leash.

11 Neighbourhood Nooks Installed To Provide Gathering Spaces Across The Community

A total of 11 neighbourhood nooks were installed to provide year-round weather-protected spaces in locations across Squamish. The District received project funding through the Province of BC COVID-19 Restart Grant for the structures to increase outdoor spaces where people could gather in all weather. Public engagement helped to determine the location and design features of each nook.

Community Climate Action Plan Progresses

Progress has been made on 75% of the Actions in the CCAP, and over $1.3 million dollars in external funding has been obtained to support local action. The launch of the retrofit assist program, upcoming expansion of car-sharing opportunities, green economy sector growth planning, and the establishment energy benchmarking procedures for all municipal facilities all help to support the District’s goal to reduce community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH PROGRESSES TOWARDS BECOMING A PLASTIC-FREE COMMUNITY

Council adopted amendments to the District’s Single-Use Items Reduction Bylaw that bans the use of plastic bags in Squamish and regulates additional single-use items including plastic straws, plastic takeout utensils and foam takeout containers. Aimed at inspiring behavioural shift amongst all citizens, the bylaw encourages the use of reusable items to reduce the use of plastics in recycling and waste streams.

NEW WESTWINDS SENIORS HUB OPENS FOR 55+ ARTS, CULTURE, EDUCATION AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS

The Westwinds Seniors Hub opened to the public, becoming the District’s third recreation and culture programming facility for the 55+ community in addition to Brennan Park Recreation Centre and The 55 Activity Centre. Westwinds will offer a variety of arts, culture and education programming in addition to gentle and rehabilitation fitness.